Sikorski, Władysław [key], 1881–1943, Polish general and politician. He fought in World War I and later (1922–25) held various cabinet posts. Premier Piłsudski dismissed him from public service in 1928, but after the German conquest of Poland, Sikorski became (1939) premier of the Polish government in exile. He also was commander in chief of the Polish forces that continued to fight alongside the Allies in World War II. Sikorski restored (1941) diplomatic relations with the USSR, but after he requested International Red Cross investigation of the Katyn incident, relations were again broken off (Apr., 1943). Sikorski died in an airplane crash near Gibraltar.
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